Somobe

Las Vegas has been a city known to sprout up lavish casinos from the dry desert terrain like wild flowers growing in an oasis. But amongst the dry desert of Vegas, there is a musical oasis of a hip hop group known as Somobe with an impressive first album entitled, “The Great Communication” that opened a lot of hip hop heads eyes. Following the same distinctive parallels of the legendary Pete Rock and CL Smooth and Gangstarr, Somobe has formulated a sound all to their own comprised by a producer/DJ and an emcee. Let’s get to know masterminds behind the group, Somobe:



1)So guys, what is the meaning behind the name, “Somobe?” Is there a specific reason why you guys choose the name over any other? What are your names for those of the readers whom are now being introduced to you?

Bob J:
The term “Moby” meant cool back in the swing era. So we took that changed the “Y” to an “E,” added the “So” to make Somobe, meaning “So cool.” At the time, we were sort of struggling to come up with a new name once we discovered our original name had already been taken. One day, Jon just came up with Somobe and we just ran with it. I’m Bob J; I produce and play bass during live shows.

Jon: I’m Jon; I’m the emcee/producer


2)As for a little background on you guys, how did you two meet? Were you neighborhood friends growing up, or were you acquainted in college?

Bob J:
We’ve got that whole classic story thing going on. We met in school in the marching band; Jon played sax and played trumpet. One day after school, he and a drummer were jamming together, [and] I had just recently picked up bass and I joined in on the session. We started writing original songs and it just sort of took off from there. It’s hard to believe that that was 9 years ago, I guess we’ve been doing it longer than it feels.

3)Being a hip-hop group from Las Vegas, Nevada, do you feel that the music scene there is doing well? Who are some of the artists from Las Vegas that our readers should be looking out for?

Bob J:
Las Vegas has always been an indie rock town. There’s plenty of rock acts out here, most notably the Killers and Panic at the Disco. But as for hip-hop, we’ve sort of stayed under the radar, but it’s definitely bubbling up. The Chapter has always been the standard out here for good hip-hop, but also check out Isaac Sawyer and Artson.

4)I was very impressed when I heard the album, “The Great Communication” on a lyrical and production level? Who are some of your musical influences that help shape and mold Somobe (lyrically and production-wise)?
Jon:
For me, production-wise I’d say J-Dilla is an influence. At first, I didn’t realize how much of an influence he was, but now in retrospect, he had a major influence on my production style. [Also,] DJ Premier. Lyrically there are a lot of different guys that influence me. [Such as] Royce Da 5’9, Elzhi, MF Doom, Pharoahe Monch, Jay-Z. [There's] tons of different dudes.

Bob J:
As for me, I’ve always kind of looked up to the Neptunes and how they’ve progressed yet still maintained their sound. It’s like you know when you hear a Neptunes track but at the same time I’m like “Wow. That’s the Neptunes?”

5) At the end of the song, “Where I’m Supposed To Be” who were those individuals that were talking about why hip-hop? What made you guys come with this idea to add them to your album?

Bob J:
Those were some fans we reached out to to add a more personal down-to-earth element to the album. Because at the end of the day, art is determined by the audience and we wanted to give them a voice too.

5)Out of the 12 songs that were installed on “The Great Communication,” what were you guys’ favorites?

Jon:
I think Long Days is one of my [favorites] on the album. That song has about a billion metaphors and symbols in it that 99% of the people who hear it won’t ever catch. It took me about 4 months to write that song.

Bob J:
Personally, I like the “Clap On” for its energy and every time I hear “Stateline,” I kind of smile to myself and bask in our glory. Ha-ha. Just kidding.

6) Are there any songs on “The Great Communication” that were based on actual events that occurred or people that you actually knew?

Jon:
“Stateline” is based on a murder/rape case that happened at the state line between Vegas and California. It is written pretty much detail for detail from the police reports, so if you read the reports and then read the lyrics, you’ll really appreciate that track. Google “Sherrice Iverson”. I didn’t want the song to be disrespectful to the victim or her family. It’s written in a way that documents the events, with the details that were missing from the police reports filled in with fictional elements. Oddly, it’s the most upbeat song on the album, yet it has the darkest subject matter. I liked that contrast.

7)What can hip-hop heads look forward to from Somobe in the next few months to a year? Are there any side projects that either one of you are working on right now?

Jon:
We’re producing a few projects for some other artist. There’s a soul/R&B project in the works with an artist named Melinda Valenzuela. We’re producing and co-writing that one. She’s the girl singing on “If I Can’t” on our album; she’s extremely talented. There are a lot of other things in the works with a few better known artists as well. We’re busy!

8)If you could be anywhere on Earth right now, where would you be? (Answer individually)

Jon – There’s no place like home.

Bob J:
I’d love to visit the Philippines again and see my family; I love it out there.

9)If you could collaborate with any musical artist(s) or band (dead or alive), who would it be with?

Jon – Marvin Gaye. Man that would be dope!

Bob J:
Wow. Hmm. James Brown and Prince or any funk band from the 70’s. Rage Against the Machine would be crazy!!!

Somobe’s first album, “The Great Communication” is an eclectic balance of songs that leave the listener in euphoria; the complete mix of production and lyricism blended together to the delight of the listener. Much to the musical delight to the listener by the end of “The Great Communication, Bob J and Jon of Somobe put the corresponding elements of DJ/producer and emcee on a great plain like two perfect pieces to a jig-saw puzzle. Thanks for the interview, guys!